USPS Honors Black Filmmaker

WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) and the U.S. Postal Service will collaborate for a Black History Month event to honor the memory of film director, screenwriter, producer and distributor, Oscar Micheaux with a stamp dedication on Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. in WSSU’s Diggs Gallery.

Micheaux illuminated the African-American experience through more than 40 feature films. He will be the 33rd person honored in the popular Black Heritage commemorative stamp series. The event, which is one of several WSSU Black History Month events during February, is free and open to the public.

WSSU Chancellor Dr. Donald Reaves and Winston-Salem Postmaster Toni Gorman will preside over the event, which will also feature entertainment and clips of films directed by Micheaux. Stamps and related products will be available for purchase.

Micheaux’s unique storytelling ability shattered stereotypes and challenged film audiences with realistic representations of African-Americans. “Oscar Micheaux was a transformational filmmaker and gifted storyteller with an uncompromising technique that embraced honest depictions of African-Americans,” said Gorman, U.S. Postal Service dedicating official for the event. “His films not only entertained, they left audiences with a sense of encouragement, hope and inspiration.”
This event is one of the central celebrations among a month-long schedule of activities sponsored by WSSU to enhance awareness and exposure to various components of African-American culture.